Sound-transmitter.



P. E. HUWEQ.

sown TRANSMITTER.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 10, 1909.

Patented Nov. 14, 1911.

mmm IIIIIIIAVVIIIJ fill/6W7";

RVV6SZE.H0ll/S FORREST E. HOWES, OF MATTAPAN, MASSACHUSETTS.

SOUND-TRANSMITTER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 14, 1911.

Application filed March 10, 1909. Serial No. 482,482.

To all whom it may concern? Be it known that I, Fonnns'r E. Howns, acitizen of the United States, residing at Mattapan, in the county ofSuffolk and State of Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement inSound-Transmitters; of which the following description, in connectionwith the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like letters on thedrawings representing like parts.

This invention relates to mechanism for transmitting sound vibrationstransferred from a sound signal station through water, as for examplefrom one ship to another. It is apparent, however, that my invention incertain-aspects thereof may be used in other relations,

In order'that the principles of the invention may readily be understood,I have disclosed an illustrative embodiment thereof in the accompanyingdrawing, wherein Figure 1 is a horizontal section taken through aportion of a ship and a trans mitter embodying my invention; Fig. 2 is aside elevation of the construction shown in Fig. 1 looking toward theleft in said figure and the skin of the ship being removed; Fig. 3 is avertical section showing the adaptation of my invention to boats whereinwater is carried as ballast; and Fig. 4 is an enlarged partial view ofthe structure shown in Fig. 3.

Instruments have heretofore been devised to receive sound vibrationstransferred from a sound signaling stat-ion through water. So far as Iam aware, it has been customary in utilizing such instruments upon shipboard to suspend the instrument in a tank within the ship containingwater through which and the water surrounding the ship the sound isreceived from some signaling station. The sound as received intransferred by a suitable -microphone or other instrument to the pilothouse or other suitable part of the vessel, thus conveying informationby which the position of the ship may be ascertained. The employment of.

tanks or receptacles for receiving such transmitting instruments renderstheir use expensive and much space is required upon ship board. .Inaccordance with my invention I secure the transmitter against the wallor skin of the ship and preferably the inner face thereof in anysuitable manner. I have ascertained that by interposing a suitabletransmitting medium between the ship wall mitter, sounds can readily bereceived by the transmitter and conveyed to the receiving station uponthe ship.

Referring more particularly to the drawing, the side or skin of the shipis represented at l in Fig. 1. Two of the usual ribs are represented at22, they being here shown as provided with angle irons 33 secured byrivets 4-4. Against the wall 1 of the ship, I secure the soundtransmitter in any suitable manner. While the transmitter may be of anysuitable construction, it is provided with a vibrating diaphragm 5 tunedto approximate the pitch of the sound to be received. Between thediaphragm and the ships side or skin I interpose a suitable soundtransmitting medium preferably secured to the diaphragm or other part ofthe transmitter in such manner that the instrument is complete in itselfand can be readily secured in position. While the medium may be a liquidor a semi-liquid received within a suitable jacket or cap secured to thetransmitter, I have herein represented the medium as composed of a layeror sheet 5 of pure, soft gum rubber vulcanized onto the vibratingdiaphragm 5. I have ascertained by experiments that rubber will transmithigh period vibrations and that it will mufiie low period vibrations andthat therefore the internal noise of the ship will be muflied to a veryconsiderable extent. The rubber may be of any suitable thickness. Withinthe scope of my invention other suitable media of a. solid nature may beemployed. The layer or sheet 5 is thus a sound damping substance.

The diaphragm f; is provided with a suitable telephonic or microphonicbutton 7 acted upon by the sound vibrations and serving to convey theresulting electrical impulses by the conductor 8 to the pilot house orother part of the vessel.

The instrument may be secured in position, and preferably removably inany suitable manner. For example, it may be provided with a cap 9shouldered circumferentially represented at 10 to of the diaphragm 5,the cap eing threaded and receiving thereon an internally threaded ring11 overlying the opposite edge of the diaphragm and securing the cap inposition. If desired, a rubber or other gasket 12 may be placedfbetweenthe ring 11 and cap 9. The cap 9 serves to a substantial extent to andthe vibrator diaphragm of the trans-- gage the edge cut out or excludefrom the diaphragm 5 the ships noises, and as the button 7 is betweenthe cap and the diaphragm, the sounds transmitted by said button aresubstantially exclusive of the ships noises, etc.

The instrument may be positioned or secured against the ships side inany suitable manner. Herein for the purpose I have shown a casting 13having lugs 14-14 to engage the angle irons 33 and a bolt 15 to secureit in position. A bolt 16 is threaded through the cast-ing 18 at asuitable point and engages the cap 9, as for example in the socket 17 Acheck nut 18 is provided to hold the bolt in clamping position.

It is apparent that the instrument shown may be placed in any part ofthe ship below the water line so as to receive the sound vibrations inthe manner described, it being unnecessary that it be surrounded withwater as heretofore. customary.

The plate 5 is secured at its edge to vibrate as a diaphragm. It will beobserved that the plate 5 is clamped orsecured at its nodal line. Theplate is tuned to approximate the pitch of the sound to be received byforming said plate of the proper thickness. By fastening the plate atits nodal line, the pitch to which the plate is tuned is not impaired.In this manner, the plate is therefore a sound selective diaphragm. If,for example, the note of the bell which it is desired the plate shallvibrate to is caused by 1200 vibrations per second, an untuned platewould vibrate to sounds ranging from perhaps 1050 to 1350. By formingthe plate of the proper thickness and mounting it at the edge, it iscaused to vibrate as a diaphragm and substantially all sounds exceptingthat of the bell with which it is tuned are excluded. In other words,the diaphragm is very responsive to the bell with which it is tuned,this being indicated by the piercing musicalnote emitted by thetelephonic or microphonic receiver when placed -to the ear, other tonesabove or below such note being dull-and without ring. In this manner,noises in the ship, the sound of the I washing'of the waves and othersounds not of the number of vibrations of the bell referred to, areexcluded.

In certain types of vessels, as for example those used upon the GreatLakes, water is employed as ballast. In such cases the instrument may beplaced in the water so utilized, and such use of my invention isindicated in Figs. 3 and ,4, wherein the instruments are represented aspositioned against the skin of the ship at'opposite sides at 19, 20. Inorder to prevent transmission of sound vibrations from one of theinstruments to the other, I interpose a suitable screen or screensconstructed of a suitable number of layers of material having difierentsound refracting power. By employing alternate layers of wood andcement, I have ascertained that a total refraction of the sound receivedby an instrument is secured so that one instrument 'does not interferewith another. In said Figs. 3 and 4, I have represent-ed layers 21 ofwood with alternate layers 22 of cement. Preferably one or both centpartitions provided in such type of vessel and extending for examplefrom the cross brace 23 to the ships bottom. Preferably such a screen isprovided adjacent each instrument.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that my inventionpresents an instrument complete in itself and adapted to be readilysecured in position and that it will occupy but little space. Theemployment of a transmitting medium that may be secured to the face ofthe vibrator diaphragm and thus position between it and the side of theship renders the instrument compact and simple.

Having thus described one illustrative embodiment of my invention, Idesire it to be understood that. although specific terms are employed,they are used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes oflimitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the followingclaims.

Claims:

1. An instrument for receiving and transmitting submarine signalscomprising a vibrator diaphragm, a rubber layer secured. against a facethereof, and electric signaling means operatively related to saiddiaphragm.

2. An instrument for receiving and transmitting sub-marine signalscomprising a sound selective tuned diaphragm, a rubber layer securedagainst the face thereof, and signaling means operatively related tosaid diaphragm.

3. An instrument for receiving and transmitting submarine signalscomprising a vibrator diaphragm, a rubber layer secured against a facethereof, electric signaling means operatively related to the other faceof said diaphragm, and means to secure said instrument in positionagainstthe skin of a ship.

4. An instrument for receiving and transmitting sub-marine signalscomprising 9. vibrator diaphragm, a rubber layer applied flatwise to oneface thereof, signaling means operatively related to said vibrator toconvey vibrations received by said diaphragm,

and means to secure said diaphragm flatwise against the skin of a shipwith the rubber layer interposed between said diaphragm and the shipsskin. I

5. An instrument for receiving and transmitting submarine signalscomprising a vibrator diaphragm, a rubber layer positioned flatwiseagainst a face thereof, and signaling means operatively related to saiddiaphragm to convey vibrations received by said diaphragm.

6. An instrument for receiving and transmitting submarine signalscomprising a sound receiving element including a relatively thin, platelike vibrator diaphragm adapted to respond vibratively to sound signalstransmitted thereto through water, means to secure said element fixedlyflatwise in contact with the usual and unaltered skin of a ship, and anelectric signaling means applied directly to and contacting with saidelement to convey vibrations received by said diaphragm, whereby soundreaching the skin of a ship may be transmitted to the user of theinstrument directly through said element and electric signaling means.

7 An instrument for receiving and transmitting submarine signalscomprising a sound receiving element including a relatively thin,metallic plate constituting a v1- brator diaphragm, said plate beingadapted to respond vibratively to sound signals transmitted theretothrough water, means to fix said element flatwise in direct contact withthe usual and unaltered skin of a ship, and an electric transmitterapplied directly to and contacting with said element to conveyvibrations received by said element, whereby sounds reaching the skin ofa ship may be transmitted to the user of the instrument directly throughsaid element and electric signaling means.

8. An instrument for receiving and transmitting submarine signalscomprising a relatively thin, plate-like, vibrator diaphragm adapted torespond vibratively to sound slgnals transmitted thereto through water,a sound transmitting,flatfacing applied flatwise to one face of saidvibrator diaphragm, means to secure said diaphragm fixedly flatwiseagainst the usual and unaltered skin of a ship with said facing betweenthe ships skin and the diaphragm, and signaling means operativelyrelated to said diaphragm to convey vibrations received by saiddiaphragm.

9. An instrument for receiving and transmitting submarine signalscomprising a relatively thin, plate-like, vibrator diaphragm adapted torespond vibratively to signals transmitted thereto through water, aflexible, sound transmitting layer of stable form applied flatwiseotoone face of said vibrator diaphragm, means to secure. said diaphragmfixedly flatwise against the usual and unaltered skin of a ship withsaid layer interposed between the ships skin and said diaphragm, andelectric signaling means operatively related to said diaphragm to conveyvibrations received by said diaphragm.

10. Means for receiving and transmitting submarine signals comprising asound receiving element including a relatively thin, plate like vibratordiaphragm adapted to respond vibratively to sound signals transmittedthereto through water, means to fix said element in direct contact withthe usual and unaltered skin of a ship, electric signaling means applieddirectly to and contacting with said element to convey vibrationsreceived by said element and a sound screen distinct from said elementbut interposed between the same and the ships interior for the purposestated.

-11. Means for receiving and transmitting subsmarine signals comprisinga sound receiving element including a relatively thin, plate likevibrator diaphragm adaptd to respond vibratively to sound signals1315:115- mitted thereto through water, means 5c fix said elementflatwise against the usual and unaltered skin of a ship, electricsignaling means applied directly to said diaphragm to convey vibrationsreceived by said diaphragm, and a sound screen distinct from saidelement and composed of alternate layers of wood and cement, said screenbeing interposed between the said element and the ships interior for thepurpose stated.

12. A sound selective instrument for receiving and transmittingsub-marine sig nals comprising at least three layers of solid materialadjoining flatWise and constituting a single sound selective body, oneof said layers being theskin of the ship, and signaling means directlyattached to one of said layers.

13. A sound selective instrument for receiving and transmittingsub-marine signals comprising at least three face-contacting layers ofsolid material, one at least of said layers being sound selective, andone of said layers being the skin of the ship, and electric signalingmeans directly attached to one of said layers.

I 14. An instrument for receiving and transmitting sub-marine signalscomprising a relatively thin, plate-like, vibrator diaphragm adapted torespond vibratively to sound signals transmitted thereto through water,a layer of sound damping material applied to a face of said vibratordiaphragm, means to secure said instrument fiatwise against the skin ofa ship, and signaling means operatively related to said diaphragm toconvey vibrations received by said diaphragm.

15. Aninstrument for receiving and transmitting sub-marine si alscomprising a relatively thin, plate-1i e vibrator diaphragm adapted torespond vibratively to sound signals transmitted thereto through water,said diaphragm being adapted to be applied flatwise against the skin ofa ship, signaling means operatively applied to the other face of thediaphragm to convey vibrations received thereby, and a cap or inclosurefor said other face of the diaphragm.

16. An instrument for receiving and transmitting sub-marine signalscomprising a relatively thin, plate-like, vibrator dia phragm adapted torespond vibratively to sound signals transmitted thereto through water,a layer of sound-damping material applied to a face of said vibratordiaphragm, said diaphragm and layer being adapted to be applied flatwiseagainst the skin of a ship, signaling means operatively applied to-theother face of the diaphragm to convey vibrations received thereby, and acap or inclosure for said other face of the diaphragm.

17. An instrument for receiving and transmitting sub-marine signalscomprising a relatively thin, plate-like, substantially circularvibrator diaphragm adapted to re spond vibratively to sound signalstransmitted thereto through water, said diaphragm being adapted to beapplied flatwise to the skin of'a ship, a diaphragm inclosing capengaging the opposite face of said diaphragm along substantially itsnodal line only, and signaling means between'said cap and diaphragm andoperatively connected to the latter.

18. An instrument for receiving and transmitting sub-marine signalscomprising a relatively thin, plate-like substantially circular,vibrator diaphragm adapted to re spond vibratively to sound signalstrans- "mitted thereto through water, said diaphragm being adapted to beapplied fiatwise to the skin of aship, a diaphragm inclosing capengaging the opposite face of said diaphragm along substantially itsnodal line only, means engaging said cap to fix said diaphragm flatwiseagainst the skin of a ship, and signaling means operatively related tosaid diaphragm to convey vibrations received thereby.

19. An instrument for receiving and transmitting sub-marine signalscomprising a relatively thin, plate-like, vibrator diaphragm adapted torespond vibratively to sound signals transmitted thereto through water,a non-metallic, sound transmitting. flat facing applied flatwise to oneface of' said vibrator diaphragm, means to secure said diaphragm fixedlyflatwise against the diaphragm,'means to secure said diaphragm fixedlyflatwise against the usual and unaltered skin of a ship with said facingbetween the ships skin and the diaphragm, said securing means permittingvibrative response of said diaphragm, and signaling means operativelyrelated to said diaphragm to convey vibrations received by saiddiaphragm.

21. An instrument for receiving and transmitting sub-marine signalscomprising a relatively thin, substantially circular, plate-like,vibrator diaphragm adapted to respond vibratively to sound signalstransmitted thereto through water, a sound transmitting, fiat facingapplied flatwise to one face of said vibrator diaphragm and of asubstance permitting said vibrations of said diaphragm, means engagingsaid diaphragm along substantially its nodal line only and securing itfixedly flatwise against the usual and unaltered "skin of a ship withsaid facing between the ships skin and diaphragm, and signaling meansoperatively related to said diaphragm to convey vibrations received bysaid diaphragm.

22. In a submarine sound detection and transmission apparatus thecombination with a microphonic detector and a sound conductor consistingof a plate-like vibrator diaphragm, of a sound conductive pathinterposed between the conductor and the body to be tested, said pathincluding a solid plate-like body contacting flatwise with saiddiaphragm and suitably proportioned to exclude extraneous noises greaterproportion than the sound vibrations from the submarine sound source.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification, inthe presence of two subscribing witnesses.

FORREST E. HOWES. Witnesses MAY H. LOWRY, IRVING U. TOWNSEND.

